ZCSA Impressed with Compliance Levels of Bottled Drinking Water in Ndola
The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has expressed satisfaction with the compliance levels of bottled drinking water being supplied in Ndola District of Copperbelt Province.
Brian Hatyoka, Acting Manager of Communications and Public Relations, revealed that a recent market surveillance inspection conducted by ZCSA in various townships including Masala, Chifubu, Twapya, Pamodzi, and Town Centre has shown encouraging results.
The inspection found that the majority of bottled drinking water sold in these areas meets the Zambian Standard – ZS 388: Bottled Drinking Water – Specification.
Hatyoka highlighted that compliance levels have seen a notable improvement, standing at 82 percent compared to 78 percent recorded last year. Out of the 38 manufacturers, brands, and trading outlets inspected, 38 were found to be compliant, while 8 were identified as non-compliant.
Instances of non-compliance primarily revolved around failure to register with ZCSA as mandated by the Compulsory Standards Act, as well as neglecting to indicate batch numbers on products, crucial for ensuring product traceability.
In response to these findings, the Agency has taken samples of the non-compliant bottled drinking water for further analysis in the laboratory.
Moreover, ZCSA has urged manufacturers, importers, and traders to register with the Agency to legally supply products on the market, emphasizing that no one is permitted to distribute products covered by compulsory standards without authorization.
Hatyoka underscored the importance of consumer awareness, urging consumers to purchase products only from reputable and registered suppliers to safeguard their health.
Additionally, he encouraged the public to report any instances of illegal production and supply of bottled drinking water to the nearest office.
ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, operates under the mandate of the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017. Its responsibilities include administering, maintaining, and enforcing compulsory standards for the protection of public safety, health, consumers, and the environment.
